Method and System for Kite-Surfing Training and Simulation

ABSTRACT

A kite surfing simulation system, including a user mounting platform and a user support harness. A mobilizing assembly has the user mounting platform disposed thereon, and is adapted to move the user mounting platform in multiple directions, A kite simulation support pole includes an anchoring point adapted to have the user support harness coupled thereto. The anchoring point is slidable relative to the kite simulation support pole. A sensory input interface adapted to provide sensory input simulating a kite-surfing experience. A simulation control unit is adapted to synchronized operation of at least two of the mobilizing assembly, the kite simulation support pole, and the sensory input interface.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSED TECHNOLOGY

The disclosed technology relates generally to methods and systems for sports training and simulation, and, more specifically, to a method and a system for simulating the experience of kite-surfing to train a user in this sport.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSED TECHNOLOGY

Kite-surfing, also known as kite-boarding, is an extreme sport in which a user, known as a kiter, uses the power of the wind impinging on a large power kite to surf, or be pulled along on, a suitable surface, such as water, sand, or snow. The sport combines aspects of paragliding, surfing, wind-surfing, skate-boarding, snow-boarding, and wake-boarding.

The sport of kite-surfing requires learning and training. However, many logistical obstacles may be encountered during the learning process. There are few teachers, so it may be difficult to find a suitable teacher, or coordinate a time to learn. A venue for learning, such as a beach, may be far from the base of the user. Even when scheduling a lesson and reaching the venue, the wind conditions may be such that learning is not possible.

Thus, there exists a need in the art for a system and a method for training users in kite-surfing, in a weather independent manner, without requiring travel to a distant location and while reducing the risk of injury.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSED TECHNOLOGY

The disclosed technology relates generally to methods and systems for sports training and simulation, and, more specifically, to a method and a system for simulating the experience of kite-surfing to train a user in this sport.

In the context of the present specification and claims, the terms “substantially” and “approximately” are defined as being within 10% of a target number or measure.

It should be understood that the use of “and/or” is defined inclusively such that the term “a and/or b” should be read to include the sets: “a and b,” “a or b,” “a,” “b.”

Directional words such as “below”, “above”, “top”, “bottom”, “up”, and “down” should be understood in a configuration wherein a majority of the vertical tube is below a majority of the fraction collector. A tube is defined as a segment having a single, curved wall, wherein every cross-section lying in a plane perpendicular to a plane which lies within a longest internal section of the tube while remaining parallel to the wall of tube is substantially identical and substantially circular.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the teachings herein, there is provided a kite surfing simulation system, including a user mounting platform and a user support harness. A mobilizing assembly has the user mounting platform disposed thereon, and is adapted to move the user mounting platform in multiple directions. A kite simulation support pole includes an anchoring point adapted to have the user support harness coupled thereto. The anchoring point is slidable relative to the kite simulation support pole. A sensory input interface is adapted to provide sensory input simulating a kite-surfing experience. A simulation control unit is adapted to synchronized operation of at least two of the mobilizing assembly, the kite simulation support pole, and the sensory input interface.

In some embodiments, the sensory input interface includes a virtual reality interface, adapted to provide visual scenery simulating the kite-surfing experience.

In some embodiments, the sensory input interface includes a sound unit, adapted to provide audio simulating the kite-surfing experience.

In some embodiments, the mobilizing assembly includes a frame having (i) a back rod; (ii) a pair of side rods fixedly attached to the back rod; and (iii) a front rod attached to the pair of side rods, and pivotable relative thereto along a longitudinal axis of the front rod. The user mounting platform is pivotally mounted onto the front rod, and is pivotable relative to the front rod.

In some embodiments, the mobilizing assembly includes a vertical motion actuator adapted to mobilize the frame, together with the user mounting platform, in a vertical direction relative to a base surface on which the system is placed.

In some embodiments, the mobilizing assembly includes a tilt motion actuator adapted to tilt the front rod, together with the user mounting platform, relative to the pair of side rods.

In some embodiments, the mobilizing assembly includes a twist motion actuator adapted to twist the user mounting platform relative to the front rod.

In some embodiments, the kite simulation support pole includes (i) a vertical shaft; (ii) a longitudinal arm extending outwardly from the vertical shaft and substantially perpendicular thereto, the longitudinal arm being pivotable relative to the vertical shaft; and (iii) the anchoring point adapted to have the user support harness coupled thereto, the anchoring point being slidable along the longitudinal arm, toward and away from the vertical shaft.

In some embodiments, the kite simulation support pole further includes a first motion actuator adapted to control axial motion of the anchoring point along a longitudinal axis of the longitudinal arm.

In some embodiments, the kite simulation support pole further includes a second motion actuator adapted to control angular motion of the longitudinal arm relative to the vertical shaft.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematic perspective illustrations of a kite-surfing simulation system according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology, in two orientations.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are, respectively, a side view planar illustration and a perspective view illustration of a mobilizing assembly of the system of FIGS. 1A and 1B, in a first height orientation, with a kiteboard of the mobilizing assembly being in a first tilt orientation.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are, respectively, a side view planar illustration and a perspective view illustration of a mobilizing assembly of the system of FIGS. 1A and 1B, in a second height orientation, with the kiteboard of the mobilizing assembly being in the first tilt orientation.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are side view planar illustrations of transition of the mobilizing assembly from the second height orientation to the first height orientation and transition of the kiteboard from the first tilt orientation to a neutral tilt orientation.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are, respectively, a side view planar illustration and a perspective view illustration of the system of FIGS. 1A and 1B, with the kiteboard of the mobilizing assembly being in a first twist orientation.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are, respectively, a side view planar illustration and a perspective view illustration of the system of FIGS. 1A and 1B, with the kiteboard of the mobilizing assembly being in the second twist orientation.

FIG. 7 is a side view planar illustration of the system of FIGS. 1A and 1B, showing an axial range of motion of an anchoring point to a kite simulation support pole of the system, according to embodiments of the disclosed technology.

FIG. 8 is a side view planar illustration of the system of FIGS. 1A and 1B, showing a rotational range of motion of the kite simulation support pole of the system, according to embodiments of the disclosed technology.

FIG. 9 is a high level block diagram of computing devices used to carry out embodiments of the disclosed technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSED TECHNOLOGY

In an embodiment of the disclosed technology, a kite-surfing simulation system includes a mobilizing assembly including a user mounting platform, a virtual reality interface, a kite simulation support pole, a user support harness including lines coupled to the kite simulation support pole for controlling movement of the user relative to the kite simulation support pole, a sound unit, and a simulation system in communication with the mobilizing assembly, the virtual reality interface, and the sound unit.

Embodiments of the disclosed technology will become clearer in view of the following description of the drawings.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 1A and 1B, which are schematic perspective illustrations of a kite-surfing simulation system 10 according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology, in two orientations.

As seen in FIGS. 1A and 1B, kite-surfing simulation system 10 includes a user mounting platform 12, which is also termed kiteboard herein, mounted onto a mobilizing assembly 14. Mobilizing assembly 14 is adapted to move user mounting platform 12, to simulate forces such as pushing and pulling, motions such as rotation and wave motion, and vibrations. In some embodiments, mobilizing assembly 14 may further include a spring, facilitating the simulation of the motions and vibrations, as explained further herein.

System 10 further includes a kite simulation support pole 16, to which is coupled, by way of suitable cables or lines 17, a user support harness 18. Harness 18 controls movement of the user relative to the kite simulation support pole 16, to simulate the force applied to the user by the kite, when the wind pushes the kite in different directions.

System 10 is adapted to be an immersive experience, by further including a virtual reality interface 20, and a sound unit 22, which are adapted to provide to the user visual images and sounds to correspond to the experiences and motions simulated by the mobilizing assembly and by the kite simulation support pole. Virtual reality interface 20 is adapted to provide visual scenery simulating an actual kite-surfing experience. The virtual reality interface may comprise virtual reality glasses, or a suitable headset. Sound unit 22 is adapted to provide an audible ambient sound experience, by simulating sounds correlated to the visual scenery simulated by virtual reality interface 20. Sound unit 22 may be a sound vest, worn by the user, or may be coupled to harness 16 or to virtual reality interface 20.

A simulation control unit 24, which may be a typical computer, is in operable communication with the mobilizing assembly 14, the kite simulation support pole 16, the virtual reality interface 20, and/or the sound unit 22. Simulation control unit 24 controls synchronized operation of the components of system 10, to ensure an immersive experience for the user. Devices suitable for use as control unit 24 are described hereinbelow with respect to FIG. 9 .

As seen, in use of system 10, a user wears sound unit 22, virtual reality interface 20, and harness 18, while the harness is coupled to kite simulation support pole 16. The user then places his feet on user mounting platform 12. Subsequently, mobilizing assembly 14 mobilizes platform 12, in correspondence with kite simulation support pole 16 applying forces to harness 18 and with an immersive experience generated by virtual reality interface 20 and sound unit 22, such that the user can safely and conveniently train in the sport of kite-surfing, while feeling a fully immersive experience.

Reference is now additionally made to FIGS. 2A to 6B, which show various orientations of mobilizing assembly 14 and of kiteboard 12.

As seen, mobilizing assembly 14 includes a base bracket 100 which is adapted to be stably mounted onto a base surface, such as the floor. Base bracket 100 includes a base portion 102, adapted to engage the base surface, and a transverse portion 104, extending upward from the base surface. Additional support surfaces 106 are adapted to ensure the stability of base bracket 100.

Mounted onto a first face 104 a of transverse portion 104 is an elongate guide 108, having a mounting bracket 110 slidably mounted thereon. A vertical motion actuator 112, is functionally associated with first mounting bracket 110. In some embodiments, vertical motion actuator 112 may comprise a hydraulic or pneumatic motion actuator, including a hydraulic or pneumatic piston 114, and a corresponding pump, or motor, 116.

Mobilizing assembly 14 further includes a pair of side brackets 120, both adapted to engage the base surface. Each of side brackets 120 includes an elongate guide 128 mounted thereon. Side brackets 120 are arranged such that guides 128 are substantially parallel to one another and face one another. A mounting bracket 130 is slidably mounted onto each of guides 128, and is slidable relative thereto in a vertical direction.

A frame 140 includes a back rod 142, fixedly attached to mounting bracket 110, and a pair of side rods 144, each fixedly attached to one of mounting brackets 130. A pair of clamps 146, are mounted onto side rods 144, at ends thereof distant from back rod 142. An axle 148 extends through clamps 146, and is rotatable relative to the clamps and relative to side rods 144. A front rod 150 is fixedly mounted onto axle 148, and is rotatable therewith, about a longitudinal axis 152 of the front rod, relative to side rods 144. In some embodiments, tilt motion actuators 154 are disposed at ends of axle 148, outwardly of side rods 144, and are adapted to rotate axle 148, together with front rod 150, relative to the base surface, such as the floor.

Kiteboard 12 is pivotally mounted onto front rod 150, by a twist motion actuator 160.

In use, mobilizing assembly 14 is adapted to mobilize kiteboard 12 is three different planes, or along three different axes. Vertical motion is accomplished by vertical motion actuator 112 causing mounting bracket 110 to slide up and down along guide 108. Vertical motion of bracket 110 causes corresponding motion of frame 140, which is also mounted onto mounting brackets 130, also along guides 128. Tilting, or pitching, motion, is accomplished by tilt motion actuator 152 driving rotation of axle 148 and front rod 150 relative to the rest of frame 140, so as to change the angular orientation of kiteboard 12 relative to the base surface, such as the floor. Twisting, or pivoting, motion is accomplished by twist motion actuator 160 pivoting kiteboard 12 relative to front rod 150.

In FIGS. 2A to 3B, arrow 170 indicates the vertical range of motion of frame 140. In FIGS. 2A and 2B, frame 140 is disposed at a first height orientation, which is shown as the maximal height of the range of motion. In FIGS. 3A and 3B, frame 140 is disposed at a second height orientation, which is shown as the minimal height of the range of motion. Although arrow 170 showing the range of motion spanning only a portion of the length of guides 108 and 128, in some embodiments, the vertical range of motion may span the entire length of the guides.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show different tilt orientations of kiteboard 12, where in FIG. 4A the kiteboard is in a first tilt orientation, with kiteboard 12 being at an angle α relative to the frame 140, and in FIG. 4B, kiteboard 12 is in a neutral tilt orientation, and is substantially parallel to frame 140. Additionally, in FIG. 4A the frame 140 is in the minimal height of the range of motion, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, and in FIG. 4B the frame is in its maximal height, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B.

FIGS. 5A to 6B show different twist orientations of kiteboard 12 relative to front rod 150. Specifically, in FIGS. 5A and 5B, kiteboard 12 is twisted, or pivoted, in a first direction, at a first angle β1 relative to front rod 150, such that the user's right foot is slightly behind the user's left foot. In FIGS. 6A and 6B, kiteboard 12 is twisted, or pivoted, in a second, opposing, direction, at a second angle β2 relative to front rod 150, such that the user's right foot is significantly in front of the user's left foot. The height orientation of frame 140 remains fixed between FIGS. 5A to 6B. The dashed circular line represents a direction of motion of the plate 12 which may be restricted from motion at the sector of the circle shown as an acute angle also in dashed lines, bisecting the circle.

Reference is now made to FIG. 7 , which is a side view planar illustration of system 10, and to FIG. 8 , which is a side view planar illustration of system 10.

As seen, kite simulation support pole 16 includes a vertical shaft 200, from which extends a longitudinal arm 202. Longitudinal arm 202 is pivotable relative to shaft 200, as seen clearly in FIG. 8 . An anchoring point 204, adapted for connection to harness 18, is slidably mounted onto longitudinal arm 202, and is slidable therealong using any suitable mechanism, such as pullies, guides, or the like.

Mounted onto vertical shaft 200 is a user interface 204, suitable for user interaction with, or control of, motion of longitudinal arm 202 relative to shaft 200 and/or motion of anchoring point 204 relative to longitudinal arm 202.

A first motion actuator 206, for example comprising a suitable motor, is mounted onto shaft 200, and is adapted to actuate motion of anchoring point 204 along longitudinal arm 202. A second motion actuator 208, for example comprising a suitable motor, connects longitudinal arm 202 to shaft 200 at a substantially right angle, and is adapted to actuate pivoting motion of the longitudinal arm relative to the shaft.

A user interface 210 may be mounted onto vertical shaft 200, for manual adjustment of the angular orientation of longitudinal arm 202 or of the axial orientation of anchoring point 204 along the longitudinal arm. User interface 210 may also include an on/off switch, or activation mechanism, adapted for activation or deactivation of the system, or of the kite simulation support pole.

An axial range of motion of anchoring point 204 relative to longitudinal arm 202 is indicated by arrow 220 in FIG. 7 . As seen, the anchoring point may move between a point which is substantially vertically above the kiteboard, to a point closer to shaft 200. However, in some embodiments, the range of motion of anchoring point 204 may extend further toward the distal end of longitudinal arm 202, distally to kiteboard 12.

An angular range of motion of longitudinal arm 202 relative to shaft 200 is indicated by arrow 230 in FIG. 8 . As seen, the anchoring point may move between a point which is substantially vertically above the kiteboard, to a point closer to shaft 200. However, in some embodiments, the range of motion of anchoring point 204 may extend further toward the distal end of longitudinal arm 202, distally to kiteboard 12.

FIG. 9 shows a high level block diagram of a computing device 400 used to carry out embodiments of the disclosed technology, such as simulation control unit 24. Device 400 comprises a processor 450 that controls the overall operation of the computerized device by executing the device's program instructions which define such operation. The device's program instructions may be stored in a storage device 420 (e.g., magnetic disk, database) and loaded into memory 430 when execution of the console's program instructions is desired. For example, the storage device 420 may store instructions for collecting a set of behavioral data during an online transaction. Thus, the device's operation will be defined by the device's program instructions stored in memory 430 and/or storage 420, and the console will be controlled by processor 450 executing the console's program instructions.

A device 400 also includes one or a plurality of input network interfaces for communicating with other devices via a network (e.g., the internet). The device 400 further includes an electrical input interface. A device 400 also includes one or more output network interfaces 410 for communicating with other devices. For example, the output network interfaces 410 may facilitate communication between device 400 and the central server.

Device 400 also includes input/output 440 representing devices which allow for user interaction with a computer (e.g., display, keyboard, mouse, speakers, buttons, etc.). Such input devices may be used when the user interacts with the computerized device during the online transaction, such that the data relating thereto can be collected by the processor.

One skilled in the art will recognize that an implementation of an actual device will contain other components as well, and that FIG. 9 is a high-level representation of some of the components of such a device for illustrative purposes. It should also be understood by one skilled in the art that the method and devices depicted in FIGS. 1A through 8 may be implemented using a device such as is shown in FIG. 9 .

While the disclosed technology has been taught with specific reference to the above embodiments, a person having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that changes can be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and the scope of the disclosed technology. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. Combinations of any of the methods and apparatuses described hereinabove are also contemplated and within the scope of the invention. 

1. A kite surfing simulation system, comprising: a user mounting platform; a user support harness; a mobilizing assembly, having said user mounting platform disposed thereon, said mobilizing assembly adapted to move said user mounting platform in multiple directions; a kite simulation support pole, including an anchoring point adapted to have said user support harness coupled thereto, said anchoring point being slidable relative to said kite simulation support pole; a sensory input interface adapted to provide sensory input simulating a kite-surfing experience; and a simulation control unit, adapted to synchronized operation of at least two of said mobilizing assembly, said kite simulation support pole, and said sensory input interface.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein said sensory input interface comprises a virtual reality interface, adapted to provide visual scenery simulating said kite-surfing experience.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein said sensory input interface comprises a sound unit, adapted to provide audio simulating said kite-surfing experience.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein said mobilizing assembly comprises a frame having: a back rod; a pair of side rods fixedly attached to said back rod; and a front rod attached to said pair of side rods, and pivotable relative thereto along a longitudinal axis of said front rod, wherein said user mounting platform is pivotally mounted onto said front rod, and is pivotable relative to said front rod.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein said mobilizing assembly includes a vertical motion actuator adapted to mobilize said frame, together with said user mounting platform, in a vertical direction relative to a base surface on which said system is placed.
 6. The system of claim 4, wherein said mobilizing assembly includes a tilt motion actuator adapted to tilt said front rod, together with said user mounting platform, relative to said pair of side rods.
 7. The system of claim 4, wherein said mobilizing assembly includes a twist motion actuator adapted to twist said user mounting platform relative to said front rod.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein said a kite simulation support pole includes: a vertical shaft; a longitudinal arm extending outwardly from said vertical shaft and substantially perpendicular thereto, said longitudinal arm being pivotable relative to said vertical shaft; and said anchoring point adapted to have said user support harness coupled thereto, said anchoring point being slidable along said longitudinal arm, toward and away from said vertical shaft.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein said kite simulation support pole further includes a first motion actuator adapted to control axial motion of said anchoring point along a longitudinal axis of said longitudinal arm.
 10. The system of claim 8, wherein said kite simulation support pole further includes a second motion actuator adapted to control angular motion of said longitudinal arm relative to said vertical shaft. 